Bears' Williams back at left tackle

Left guard could dislodge Webb in return to original position

May 23, 2012|By Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune reporter

Rules restrict any contact during offseason workouts, so it's impossible to tell where the Bears are along the offensive line.

But Chris Williams is indeed back at left tackle where he split first team reps with J'Marcus Webb, the starter at the position last season, during Wednesday's organized team activities at Halas Hall. Expect that to be the situation in minicamp next month and when the team opens training camp in a little more than two months.

Williams, the first-round draft pick in 2008 who has made 20 starts at left guard over the last two seasons, is now in a position where he will have to beat out Webb, who started all last season at left tackle.

"I like to think I can play anywhere, so I'm just working," said Williams, who missed half of last season with a freak wrist injury.

The general manager who selected Williams is no longer in place and the club is on its third offensive coordinator during his career. Webb has been a personal project for Mike Tice but the line coach turned coordinator needs to see improvement from him.

"I feel good about it," Webb said. "I am working hard on my footwork and my hands and I definitely feel that a competitive side of it will come in training camp."

The biggest difference for the line — not just at left tackle —– will be the absence of former offensive coordinator Mike Martz, who too often seemed oblivious to what he really was asking the unit to do. But just a change in systems isn't going to make Webb into the caliber of player the Bears are seeking.

"(Tice) knows when guys need help," Webb said, choosing not to speak about Martz. "(But) I have to focus on getting better at my technique and my approach to being a pro."

To that end, Webb said he's trying to become more consistent with his footwork while also improving his hands, particularly his punch.

"When it comes time to kick ass," Webb said. "I am going to."

Williams is entering the final year of his rookie contract and obviously would benefit from a solid season. The loser of the competition figures to be the fallback plan at right tackle if Gabe Carimi has issues returning from knee surgery. The first-round draft pick is not back yet. Otherwise, Williams or Webb will serve as the swing tackle, a role Frank Omiyale had last season.

"It's just fun playing to be honest," Williams said in reference to missing the last half of 2011.

Chris Spencer played left guard with the first team and could face competition eventually from newcomer Chilo Rachal who was with the twos at the same spot. Lance Louis was at right guard and Mansfield Wrotto played right tackle most of the time with the club biding time until Carimi is ready, maybe next month.